Power Balance || 1x1 feauturing: Imbion and Etomania!

[grey matter]

"Then, Laser it is, then. Um... yeah. Still hope that sticks. How'd you pick yours, if that isn't too revealing?" Laser asked, somewhat satisfied with their alias... but still not with this chat. They could not muster up their composure for the life of them. It was like it was tucked away in the burrow of their mind. More specifically, a weird pocket where plans mess up extra hard...

[Imbion]

"A mere simple basis on the definition. One of the definitions of crucible is 'a severe test' - and that is somewhat what I wish to offer." It is not like he just picked it initially because it sounded cool or anything, and came up with the justification later.

Ah, it does appear I am unknown to Laser after all. The interaction was somewhat new ground to him. Much easier to skip to the important parts of conversations when the one you are talking to already knows your tale.

[grey matter]

"Oooh. That is a much better reason than mine. The word also has a good mouth-feel. You seem... experienced... yes. Or at least professional. What sort of villainy do you do anyways, if I may inquire? Or I could just leave you alone at this point, if you'd rather me do that," they offered, knowing that this could be pushing this Crucible figure toward nervousness... maybe? He didn't seem like the sort to be nervous, but you never knew. There was always something... something that was hard to pinpoint.

[Imbion]

He gives them a mild look. On the off opportunity someone doesn't know who he is... This could be interesting, and a change from the typical treatment he gets.

"Ah, I'm a little bit higher in the hierarchy," he simply states. "Nobody all that important, however."

[grey matter]

"Oh. Guess I can throw the 'am I being too casual' concern to the side then," they thought aloud. They tried to think of more things to say but their mind was drawing blanks until they managed to throw another question out there. "...Any advice for someone like me, sort-of just starting out?" They fidgeted with the book, trying to think of what they would say next if they weren't asked something...

[Imbion]

He nods. "Of course. The most important part is the impression you give, in general." He grabs the book nestled under his arm and places it on the nearby stool. Cruicble then shifts his body language, standing a little bit taller, arms crossed, and a stern expression on his face.

"A key part of this all is how one appears. One must pick something that is appropriate for their aesthetic and villiany of choice. Villiany is not a single aesthetic, but rather a common group of aesthetics. An aesthetic is control over one's self. Although one cannot control themselves fully, appealing to these uncontrollable factors to some extent is vital if one wishes to wield a proper aesthetic." He adjusts his tie a little bit, and then an "wind" blows on him - but there's no wind indoors, and none can be felt. "Lighting and wind are important parts of it as well, by the way."

[grey matter]

"Hm. I might need to get platform boots then. Maybe something bold in the palette..." They un-pocketed a small pad of sticky notes and a pen and began jotting things down.

Keep goggles. Needs stature boost but any heels are a horrible idea. Neon accents? Wear the lab coat in that cool over shoulder way that has literally no reason nor protection? What the heck are you doing with your collar? New lightbulbs? Extra fans? DO YOU NEED A HAIRCUT?

"Thanks for the advice," they said calmly, contrasting their vigorous writing. "I didn't think of this sort of stuff as often in the past."

[Imbion]

He nods, just watching them write vigorously. The wind stops, and he returns his arms to a neutral pose. "You would not be the only one. A lot of people fail to give it much thought, but it is quite important."

[grey matter]

"How'd you do the wind thing?" they asked, still vigorously note taking, now on another sticky note. "Some kind of hidden thing in your clothes?"

[Imbion]

"Every man has his secerts," he responds, grinning. "It is always best to have something up your sleeve."